Freedom Of Leicester

21 October 2011, 06:13 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

When the 9th/12th Royal Lancers get back from their six-month tour of Afghanistan next month, they'll get to exercise the Freedom of the City for the first time.

Around 250 soldiers will march through Leicester on Thursday, 24th November, led by two Scimitar Light Tanks.

The soldiers, who are out in Afghanistan at the moment, sent Capital a photo of them all celebrating and told us how proud they are to be marching through the city.

Great Honour

Trooper Sean Court from Wigston said:

"This news has given me a real lift, it is good to know that our efforts have been recognised at home, I am now more excited than ever to get home"

Hinckley soldier Sgt Matt Pook:
 
"This is a real honour, as a Leicester lad,  I am holding my head high amongst my peers, knowing that my home town is recognising our efforts in such an amazing way"

Sgt Simon Champkins from Melton Mowbray, said:

"I am honoured and slightly humbled by the news, I was always a little jealous of the Derby lads who have enjoyed the freedom of their city for some time, we are on a level playing field now, I would like to thank the people of Leicester for their continued support."

Sgt Trevor Garley from Melton Mowbray was overwhelmed when he heard the Regiment was to be awarded the Freedom of the City:

"I keep expecting to wake up and realise this was all an incredible dream.  This is definitely one of the greatest days of my life. The 9th/12th Royal Lancers may have the key to the gates of Leicester but the people of Leicester now have the key to my heart." 

WO2 Leigh Beutell wanted to say thank you to the city:

"I would like to extend my personal thanks to the people of Leicester for bestowing this wonderful honour upon our Regiment, it has provided a real lift for the boys. This will make our forthcoming parade in Leicester all the more special"